Looking For A New Kitchen Style?

Looking For a New Kitchen Style?

Think about your home, which rooms gets the most traffic and activity? Really think about this.

Probably the kitchen, right? You might have said bedroom, because you sleep in there for endless hours, but you’re not awake, so you’re not really doing anything constructive.

The kitchen isn’t just a room where you cook food and move away from it, it’s a room where you prepare your meals, you store your food and drinks, it’s a place where you may eat together, it’s a place where you talk, it’s where you find the coffee in the mornings! Yes, the kitchen is important if we have a great stone worktop!

For that reason it is important to get your kitchen style bang on right from the get-go, and if you are thinking about mixing it up and changing things around, you need to get your styling correct in the planning stage, to give you the best chance of creating your perfect kitchen.

Think About The Architecture of Your Home

What sort of home design do you have? Do you have a new build, and therefore a modern style? Or do you have a more Medieval or Victorian style? This is the basis of what your kitchen is going to be, because it’s no good going against the style of your building – it all needs to tie in.

If you have an old fashioned style of home, then a traditional kitchen will look fantastic, and if you have a modern, new house, then a more minimalist, modern style is for you.

You also need to think about the layout in terms of your kitchen too – is the rest of your house quite open plan? In that case you again need to go for something modern.

What is Your Kitchen For?

Aside from cooking, what do you do in your kitchen? Is there a dining table in there? Is your house a family home? You need to create your style and space in conjunction with what you use your kitchen for. If you go for an ultra-modern style, with stainless steel handles, then this is not really going to tie in with having children around, because they are going to become dirty quite easily!

On the other hand, do you love to cook? Do you spend a lot of time in the kitchen? In that case you maybe need to incorporate more counter space, to allow you to enjoy your cooking endeavors.

What do You Like?

Your kitchen should have a splash of your personality in it, otherwise it is cold and unfriendly! If you like bright colors then perhaps this is a route you should be going down. Maybe you like traditional designs and you’re quite a traditional person – again, that should dictate the style you go for. Think carefully about what you like, what sums you up, and try and throw in a few nods to your personality.

Talk it Through With a Professional

If aren’t sure which route to go down, or you need a little inspiration, have a chat with a professional first. You need to create the space that is best for you, and that means not rushing into anything. Employ a kitchen designer for extra oomph and advice, to help you find a style which fits in not only with your home and layout, but with your needs and personality too.

Take Your Time

We will reiterate this point – do not rush! Take your time! Creating your ideal kitchen space is not a race, it is something which is going to cost you quite a lot of money, even if you know the cost cutting tricks of the trade, so it makes perfect sense that you should really put the right amount of thought and creative effort into it. If you don’t, you will end up replacing your kitchen within a few years, and that is not only time consuming, but completely against the rules of cost effectiveness too!

Your kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house, if not the most important room, so every single facet of your revamp, or even simple redecoration, should be carefully thought out and planned, from materials, to appliances, colors to textures.

Guest Contributor, Florin Aldea

picture source: L Kae Interiors

What To Do When Insulation Gets Wet

Learn How to Treat Water Damage on the Different Types of Insulation

If you’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest longer than a month, you know we get a lot of rain. Not, of course, as much as is painted by Hollywood in movies like “Sleepless in Seattle” or “The Killing”. However, the fall and winter months unleash a low, misty cloud-bank that keeps us all inside and snug in our black, gray, or dark blue jackets.

While the steady rainfall is also what we’ve got to thank for our lush, beautiful landscape, it also brings challenges as well — the most obvious being that all this damp weather makes it difficult to keep this moisture out of our homes and insulation.

So, what should you do when you notice that your insulation is wet? Well, that will depend on the type of insulation you’re dealing with. Now that we’re heading into our wet, fall weather yet again, it’s time to arm yourself with the knowledge gleaned from home insulation experts that can enable you to protect your home from the issues caused by damp insulation.

What To Do About Wet Spray Foam Insulation:

Aren’t you the lucky one! Closed-cell spray foam insulation repels water and provides a moisture barrier. This means the water won’t have penetrated the insulation itself and it should simply evaporate from the surface.

Clean up is fairly easy. Use an old towel to dry the spray foam to the best of your ability and place a fan nearby to dry out any water that you may have missed. Because spray foam insulation offers an airtight seal, the wooden structure behind should be dry as well, but just in case, you should take a peek yourself or have a professional come in to check it out. If water is getting between the wood and your spray foam insulation, it can begin causing wood rot, mold, and reduced insulation abilities.

What To Do About Wet Fiberglass Insulation:

Don’t fret — things could be worse! Fiberglass insulation is made from spun glass fibers. It won’t absorb water and, when a dousing does occur, the water won’t cause any major structural damage to the insulation.

However, water that has accumulated inside the fiberglass insulation will dramatically reduce the functionality of the insulation. Water conducts temperatures very easily, so when the warm air of your home presses against the insulation, the water will transfer that energy right outside. Additionally, the density of fiberglass insulation makes it difficult for the water to evaporate (usually only a problem when the insulation has been thoroughly wetted, in which case full replacement may be recommended). This means that moisture can lead to damage in the wood around the insulation.

So, your job is to help your insulation dry out. A dehumidifier and a few fans will often do the trick. Place them inside your attic or crawl space to help the area dry out. If possible, lift out the fiberglass bats that have been affected and place them in the sun or in a warm, dry area to let the water inside evaporate, then relay them. Please remember, if you do handle the insulation, do so only with gloves, long sleeves and pants, protective eyewear, and a breathing mask. Fiberglass fibers should not come into direct contact with your skin, eyes, or lungs.

Check up on your insulation over the next few weeks. If you start noticing a musty smell, it’s a sure sign that your insulation has been contaminated by the water. When this occurs, you’ll likely need to replace some or all of the insulation. This is most likely to happen after a flood, or if you’ve had pests in your home such as mice or rats.

What To Do About Wet Cellulose Insulation:

While cellulose insulation is for the win when it comes to being an eco-friendly or ‘green’ option, it’s not the best performer when it gets wet. Cellulose insulation is made from plant fibers, such as recycled newspapers. These fibers wick up moisture like a sponge. If your water damage is minimal, you may be able to simply have the affected area of cellulose insulation removed and (possibly) dried.

If your leak was significant, large areas of your insulation are likely affected. Unfortunately, cellulose is a great conductor of water and offers nutrients for mold and mildew. Usually, wet cellulose insulation will develop mold within a few days to a couple of weeks, which will require a total replacement of the insulation.

There is the possibility of removing and successfully drying cellulose batting, for those homeowners who have a large enough dry space for the batts to lay while they dry (this can take up to 10 days or more). If successful, the area in which they were laying can be thoroughly cleaned to prevent mold growth (and dried), and the bats can be laid down again.

What To Do About Wet Cotton Insulation:

As you might imagine, cotton insulation is prone to collecting moisture. Often made from recycled blue jeans or other plant fibers, cotton insulation will easily and rapidly absorb moisture. Thankfully, it is easier to dry out than other types of insulation, such as cellulose.

If you’ve only got a small area that’s been damaged, remove the insulation at least a foot further out than the visible wet area. Then, place the bat in the sun or in a warm dry place. Once dried, it can be replaced. Be sure to frequently check the area for any additional moisture or signs that mold growth is starting to develop.

Also, it’s important to know that if cotton insulation is subjected to repeated water exposure, it’s insular abilities often begin to decrease and the chemicals used to deter pests and slow the burn rate in the event of fire may have leached out.

If your cotton insulation has been saturated, such as in the event of a flood, all affected insulation will need to be replaced. It is possible that some insulation might be salvageable, but you would run the risk of introducing mold or moisture into your brand new insulation. Any cotton insulation that has mold growth should be scrapped.

What To Do About Wet Foam Board Insulation:

You’re in luck! Foam board insulation, like spray foam insulation, is water repellent and an unlikely host for mold or mildew growth. It is important to make sure you keep your foam board insulation dry, however, as well as the areas surrounding it. Because foam board is impermeable to water, it can create a seal that traps moisture in an area of the home, such as in a wall cavity. The wooden beams and drywall or sheetrock are not water resistant — they will be damaged and require replacement.

If you’ve noticed your foam board insulation has condensation or moisture on it, thoroughly dry the area with a towel. If there is any chance that moisture could have gotten behind the foam board, have a professional inspect the area to make sure you catch any water damage before it becomes a serious problem.

Home Insulation Options and Installation

Have a type of insulation that we didn’t mention here or are curious to learn more about getting new insulation installed in your home? We’d recommend contacting a reputable local business that specializes in insulation installation for attics, crawl spaces, and other areas of your home. They’ll be able to provide insight on the types of insulation best used for your home, the R-value of each option, and quotes for installation.

Featured images:

•  License: Creative Commons image source 

I'm the marketing manager for Clean Crawls, a Pacific Northwest crawl space cleaning & insulation company. At home, I love to spend time with my wife, 4 children, and golf. At work, I help connect my clients to their customers through content that helps people solve problems. 

The Calm of Grey?

 Benjamin Moore

The Calm of Grey?

The first thing to come into your mind when you think of the color grey could be one of two things – it could be Mr Grey, if you are a fan of the Fifty Shades series, or it could be a mundane and dull color shade.

If you went for the latter, you’re airing on the side of negativity!

Grey can be a very calming and serene color, when it is matched up correctly, and used in the right way. Of course, when you do grey in the wrong way, it can be come cold and unfriendly, but like anything in life, that can be turned on its head!

Check out these suggestions on how to turn your grey kitchen into a harmonious space of relaxation and serenity. You can choose one grey color for your kitchen worktop from Inovastone.

Use Grey With Warmer Colors

Yes, grey can be cold and unfriendly when used on its own, but if you can team it with warmer colors, such as woods for example, then you can find that it is strangely warm and calming. Wood, such as wooden chairs or a wooden worktop, also adds an earthy tone to your space, preventing the grey from becoming too clinical or cold. If you go for a wooden floor, perhaps laminate to mimic the wooden style, then grey cabinets will be warmed up instantly.

Copper is another great choice, because this is a warm and rustic color to go for, and when used with grey you have a strange combination which actually works really well, to add depth and sophistication to your kitchen space.

Make an Impact with Cabinets

The impact of using grey can be quite strong and you can use that with cabinets to create a sharp but stylishly clean appearance. Go for a bold shade and team it with a light shade for your worktop, to tone the harshness down. Of course, grey on your cabinets is also a good choice because it is a durable option to go for in terms of cleaning. In addition, grey cabinets basically look bold and stylish!

Add in Extra Color

If you want to try something a little different, try mixing your grey color scheme with a splash of color here and there. This doesn’t have to be something huge or over the top, perhaps just some colored chairs, such as a blue or green, to add a splash or pop. Stick to natural shades, and you will have the perfect blend, and something a little different too.

Natural Light Adds to The Mix

Grey can look dark and unfriendly when it is used in a small, unlit room, but if you have a large window or lots of natural light, the grey can actually look quite creamy and friendly. If you can allow plenty of natural light into your room then you really will have a calm and serene appearance from the get-go.

Grey Can be Used to Create Drama

A grey kitchen, when used with other colors which warm it up slightly, can actually look quite dramatic, especially if you use grey in a back splash which runs the full height of your room. You can go for a lighter, simple shade, or a darker one which looks more sophisticated.

Add in Some Nature

If you are a little concerned about your kitchen looking cold with the grey color shade, throw in some nature to bring about instant serenity! Think plants, fruit, flowers, basically anything natural will do the trick.

These are just a few tips and tricks on how you can make a grey kitchen look instantly calming, without going too over the top. This all just goes to show that any color can be made into whatever effect you want it to have, and it just takes some little tricks of the trade to create the appearance you want.

Grey does not have to be cold and unfriendly, especially if you don’t go down the route of pairing it with warmer colors, to bring it away from the cold side, and into the warm side. If you go for lighter colors, this certainly is a warmer feel instantly, but even darker greys can be made earthier and warmer with the right advice. 

Guest Contributor, Florin Aldea

6 Friendly Tips to Find the Best House Painting Contractor in Your Town

Sherwin-williams

6 Friendly Tips to Find the Best House Painting Contractor in Your Town

Do-it-yourself (DIY) approach on your simple house project like coming up with new curtains. But a house painting project for the whole house is considered a large-scale work and it requires the professional expertise of painting contractor. If your house was built before 1970, most probably the house contained lead paint and you will be hiring a house painting contractor for the safety of the work. House painting contractors are trained to minimize the health hazards that painting work can cause.

Selecting a professional and good house painting contractor is a step-by-step process. It can be tedious most of the time but you need to follow them to be more organized and get the desired result. Below are some tips from Wincrest you may use when hiring a contractor:

Ask around. This is the first step you need to do. Ask your mom or dad if they know someone who worked for them during the painting renovation in your house. Ask your friends if they can recommend a good house painting contractors who did the painting in their home. Maybe you can also your neighbor if they know someone who can help you.

Contacts from different fields are helpful. If you know some real-estate agents, they may be able to give you good referrals for local house painting contractors. A local hardware store can also help you. Usually, they keep a list of house painting contractors who buy materials from them. Most likely, your local store will give you a list of house painting contractors they know or who have been loyal to their store.

Check the referrals. If you have the list of house painting contractors, you need to do some background check. Make sure that these house painting contractors are licensed. You can check online to verify if your chosen house painting contractor has a license to perform the work. Companies who offer the service you need home are licensed to do the home painting work.

Make a shortlist. Yes, this is important because you would only get one house painting contractor after all. You can include at least 3 best house painting contractors based from your referrals. From these three contractors, ask for free estimates on the work. Then, ask them if they have some references. References are important because you will be able to know from the previous clients if this certain house painting contractor is good or professional enough to carry the work load.

Professional behavior is important. You should choose a house painting contractor who is pleasant, courteous and capable to communicate clearly. You will find out more about the work behavior of this certain house painting contractor when you make a call to the references given to you.

Contract must be presented. In every transaction, a contract should be signed by both parties. In this way, you will have an idea about the scope of work, warranty and pricing.

Finding a skilled and reliable house painting contractor can seem like an overwhelming task at first. But you should take the steps one by one and use common sense. 

Guest Contributor, Candice Larson

Some Do’s and Don’ts While Bathroom Renovations!

Some Do’s and Don’ts While Bathroom Renovations!

Bathroom renovations are considered to be one of the smartest home enhancements. This is because such kind of renovations can help in gaining around 70% of returns on the investment made. Bathroom is not just an ordinary room and so proper care needs to be given. It involves a lot of complicated things which includes plumbing needs, special lighting and managing several things in restricted space. This makes renovation task as one of the challenging things and it is not as simple as a living room or bed room.

In case you want to make bathroom renovations simple for you then there are some of the top things that you need to keep in mind. When you know the dos and don’ts of this kind of renovations you will not face much complexity. It will also help you in making the renovation successful.

Some Do’s of Bathroom Renovations

• It is best to hire a builder for managing the renovation project. The builders have the experience of carrying out such work and so can properly manage the project considering every detail. Keep one thing in mind that a small mistake can prove to be expensive and so it is better to hire a builder. They are professionals and can make sure that you get the best results.
• Do choose a proper finish. Bathrooms are rooms that become outdated very soon. Hence, in case you want to have a long lasting design then make sure that you choose timeless finishes rather than going for trendy stuff. In order to have timeless look make sure that you select high end and neutral finishes.
• Do try maximizing your storage options in the bathroom. There are chances that you might be considering to keep linens, towels, cleaning supplies and toiletries in your bathroom. In such cases, you need to make sure that you consider having wall shelves or ceiling storage. When you consider having such options installed you will be able to maximize the storage space in the bathroom.

Some Don’ts of Bathroom Renovations

• Don’t think about doing it on your own. This project comprises of many complex things like waterproofing which is tough to handle on your own. There are lots of people who purchase waterproofing gears from the stores and do it on your own. However, down the line fixing the problem of leakage can prove to be expensive. Also, it involves installation of different appliances and if this is not done in the right manner then it can be a complete disaster and waste of money.
• Don’t fail to pay attention to the overall design of the home. It is crucial that your bathroom design compliments your overall design of the home. You should never consider expensive renovation ideas that are completely different from the rest part of the home. If the bathroom design is different, then your home becomes tough to sell. Rather than this, pay attention to safety, storage and functionality of the bathroom.
• Don’t consider changing ventilation and plumbing. These are actually the two significant aspects of the bathroom. You need to know that making drastic changes to the plumbing can prove to be expensive. Rather, if you are doing renovations near the already existing plumbing it can be economical. Also, ensure that you do not block the source of ventilation. In case there is already existing ventilation then make the best use of it as it helps in preventing mold.

These are some of the things that you need to take care of when you are considering to remodel your bathroom. If you would like to know more then click here and get some more useful information.

Author Bio:

Joseph Webb is an excellent blogger and philosopher, His keen observation to provide useful information which helps readers to get more idea. He can be found on Facebook, Google+ and on Twitter as @aussiesmag.

Ending Your Plumber Problems

Ending Your Plumber Problems

Everyone is aware about the importance of a plumber. Whenever you face any discrepancy in your drainage system or sewerage you immediately look for a plumber to get it sorted. Life without water is an unwanted condition which calls for emergency attention and to ease this pain, the person you need remember is a plumber.

Yes, apparently it seems that there are many plumbers available but at the same time you also need to understand the seriousness of the situation. You will come across many mechanics but you just cannot trust anyone. You need to be certain about the quality of their work. And there are similar other stuffs that need to be addressed while choosing a plumber.

We are living in an age of advanced electronics and technology and using them you can get hold of anything you want or anything you need. Thus, go through the points and prepare yourself for your future search for plumber that suits both your house and your pocket.

Quality expected for this job

You can always negotiate about the price but make sure to never compromise with the quality of the work because a bad work will result in problems that will lead to repeated visits of the mechanic. Hence, hire someone who can trace and treat the problem right from the roots. So, before handling over the responsibility, test the person, be sure and certain about his endeavors. There are a certain important factors that need to be followed, in order to examine the plumber you called for help. In order get a good plumber, keep these following words in your head.

These are the few words of caution.

·       Always hire an insured and licensed person because this will guard your property if anything goes wrong. It is recommended to make sure that the plumber is licensed because then you won’t worry about taking or getting legal help.

·       Look for a person or company which asks for fair price instead of demanding a huge sum because it is your hard earned money that you are going to spend.

·       Another key feature required is experience because with this he can handle many tricky situations.

·       Call someone who understands your problems and responds within a short span of time thereby easing your tension.

·       Look if the plumber uses proper tools and materials of great quality. The better the ingredients, the better the final product.

·       Finally, ensure that the plumber is providing guarantee over the work done and will also give an estimate of the entire work beforehand to maintain transparency in dealings.

Where to trace them?

Since now you know what you are looking for, you will face certain problem in understanding the real nature of the people and can make a just decision. Ask your friends for recommendations of some good plumber or search the website and zero in an organization who addresses your needs. You will have a huge collection to choose from but it is better to go for someone who lives nearby. This saves both time and money.

A good plumber is a skilled artist who can solve any plumbing, drainage and similar problems with ease. Thus, the next time when suddenly your kitchen skin is creating a scene or the bathroom pipe is leaking, have patience and call an efficient and experienced plumber who knows the job well. If left untreated this can cause more serious problems in future and will lead you to spend more in the repair and replacement. The above mentioned information will help you to find the perfect plumber!

Guest Contributor, Molly Crowe

Considering Something Different For Your Kitchen Worktop?

Considering Something Different For Your Kitchen Worktop?

Not everyone wants to go down the same route as everyone else, and if you are someone who likes to try something a little different every now and again, the good news is that there are many different kitchen worktop surfaces out there for you to consider, aside from the usual suspects.

When you are redecorating a kitchen space, you will want to think about your worktop as a matter of importance, because this is one of the most expensive and biggest parts of your revamp. Of course, you have the usual natural stone from Classicquartzstone, laminate, and wood options to go for, but there are a few different ones you could consider too.

Stainless Steel Worktops

While it is likely that the first thing to come into your mind is an industrial kitchen, stainless steel doesn’t have to look industrial and professional, when it is included in a design which softens it up a little.

There are many plus points to choosing stainless steel, not least the fact that it is very easy to clean, and it is very durable too. If you want a kitchen which isn’t going to take you too long to clean, and you know you can do it effectively in the time you do have, then this is a good option to go for. Of course, stainless steel is going to experience a little wear and tear as time goes on, as it may scratch and becoming ‘dinted’ but again, this can have its upsides, because it looks retro and ‘lived in’!

Copper Worktops

Another professional kitchen choice, but one which can look warm and effective in a home kitchen, copper has the advantage of looking extremely expensive and high-end, while also offering great durability. The warm appearance of a cooper worktop looks fantastic both in traditional style schemes, as well as modern ones too. Again, copper will experience wear and tear over time, so you will need to be mindful of this, and move with the changes a little.

Concrete Worktops

Yes, you read that right! Concrete is not the cold, soulless material you might think it is, and it can actually look very stylish, when it is incorporated the right way. Provided the material is sealed and finished correctly, concrete is durable and extremely hard-wearing. The fact concentrate is also very tactile means that it can be molded into many different shapes, and there are likely to be very few joints in the surface when it has been installed. For kitchens which have a certain something else, perhaps a quirky feel, concrete is a great choice.

Ceramic Worktops

This is a fairly new development, but we know that ceramic has been around in other guises for many years; only recently however has this become a kitchen worktop material. One of the main advantages is that ceramic can withstand huge temperatures, actually up to 1000 degrees, so you don’t have to worry about hot pans making marks on your work surface! This is a very durable material too in terms of scratch resistance, and is available in many different colors and patterns. If you want to go for a copper or concrete appearance, but you don’t want the actual material, then you can use ceramic to mimic its appearance!

Put simply, ceramic is a great choice because it is also low maintenance.

Dekton Worktops

What is Dekton? You’re probably asking that question right now, but this is a very new kid on the block, so you can be forgiven for not having the first clue what it is! This is a man-made material, and it is very durable too. While being resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, Dekton is also available in many different colors and patterns, so you can make your kitchen as individual as you want it to be, perhaps with a gloss or matte finish – the choice is yours!

These are a few different types of worktop materials that you might not have heard of, or perhaps not even thought of. If you want to go down a different route to the traditional choice, check out these suggestions and see if any fit into your idea of your ideal new kitchen space.

Guest Contributor, Florin Aldea

A Simple Guide to A Contemporary Bathroom Design

A Simple Guide to A Contemporary Bathroom Design

In the last couple of years, many people have decided to adopt the contemporary design and turn their homes in true modernistic havens. This style is praised for its simplicity, sleekness, as well as the utter minimalism which is characteristic of these types of spaces. Introducing the modern approach to the bathroom area is one of the most appealing ventures and can be done quite easily in a few simple steps. Although the contemporary approach doesn’t require too much decoration, achieving the desired look can be somewhat challenging. That being said, we’ve prepared this simple guide that’ll help you create the perfect modern bathroom in your home.

Shapes and Sizes

Even though it’s possible to achieve the modern design in a smaller-sized bathroom, this style usually requires a more spacious setting. Extensive settings are quite typical for contemporary styled bathrooms, which is why many people opt for an open-bathroom design in order to get more spacious surroundings. Aside from the size of the space, modern design is also characterized by the use of angular shapes, clean lines and straight edges. Curvy, round and elliptical shapes won’t find any use in the contemporary bathroom, so when choosing the perfect look, make sure to rely on acute-angled shapes.

The Color Palette

Another quite distinguishable feature of the modern design is that it doesn’t use much color in its approach. Neutral hues like black, white and grey are the most commonly used colors in contemporary design, while the absence of patterns and colorful details is quite desirable. Creating contrasts using black and white helps with achieving that elegant vibe, while implementing different shades of grey and sometimes even brown can be used to break the monotony of the space. Some individuals like to break the sequence and the gloomy ambience by placing greenery or a focal point in a specific color.

Illumination

Lighting plays a major role in contemporary design and is used excessively as a way of obtaining the desired look. Pendants lights, as well as recessed lighting is commonly used in modern bathrooms, while introducing natural light has become an attractive feature in bathroom settings. For this reason, skylights have gained a lot of popularity over the years, as an effective and stylish solution for opening up the bathroom to sunlight. Keeping in mind the importance of shapes and structure in modern design, it’s also quite important to follow a certain sequence when installing the lighting.

Simplicity Is the Key

When all is said and done, there’s only grand design and the use of decorations in the space to consider. Given the fact that modern design is closely related to the minimalistic design, which is known for its absence of ornamentation and a generally sleek and plain look, it’s easy to conclude that the contemporary bathroom doesn’t require too much attention in this sphere. A few plants in angular containers or a similarly styled laundry basket are sufficient, while you can always decide to leave the pipes exposed in order to achieve a more industrial or rough-lux look. According to a professional plumber from Melbourne, this can cause some piping problems, especially during winter, so it’s crucial to maintain the plumbing systems regularly and properly.

Introducing the contemporary design into your home will help you create a distinguished, sleek and glamorous setting. The desired look should be simple before anything, so make sure not to go overboard with excessive details. The goal is to create seemingly effortless surroundings with a somewhat sterile and impersonal ambience which will, at the same time, manage to capture the essence of your personality.

Guest Contributor, Diana Smith

The Harm of Hard Water

Hard water is a term that makes many people shudder. It brings up the hassle of dealing with a film on glasses, hard-to-clean tubs, and an odd taste when drinking. A U.S. geological study discovered that more than 85 percent of people have some degree of “hard” water in their homes. Before you can tackle your issues with hard water, it helps to understand what defines water as being hard. The hardness of water is measured in grains of mineral per gallon, with levels of 3.5 GPG or more qualifying the water source as hard.

What Is Hard Water?

Hard water is water that has absorbed minerals as it passes through rocks in high concentration. Elements such as copper, iron, and manganese are found in small amounts, while calcium and magnesium are found in higher concentrations. Hard water causes multiple concerns because it negatively affects plumbing, appliances, grooming, and taste.

Laundry

Hard water makes clothes feel scratchy and look dingy. The water can damage fibers in your clothes and cause them to wear out much faster than they should. People with hard water have to use more detergent to get it to create suds, which increases the amount of residue being left on your clothes.

Dishwashers

Minerals accumulate inside your dishwasher and leave behind a filmy residue on dishes. This residue, called lime scale, is a combination of what is left behind when magnesium and calcium are heated. It coats dishes and the interior components of your dishwasher. The extra heat given off by the hot dishwater releases the minerals faster and makes it harder to clean your dishes. It also reduces the visual appeal of your dishes.

Plumbing

Hard water is definitely rough on your entire home’s plumbing system. These minerals accumulate around plumbing fixtures, reduce the flow of water and create deposits that are difficult, if not impossible, to get rid of. The film places additional stress on the fixtures and plumbing. No matter how much elbow grease you apply, sometimes the deposits want to make themselves a permanent part of your fixture. They accumulate in the pipes, creating clogs and being a costly and large nuisance for maintenance.

Personal Hygiene

Minerals in the water also affect your hair and skin when bathing or showering. The residue accumulates on your skin and can leave it feeling dry, itchy and irritated. You also have to use more shampoo and body wash than normal. This creates a total nightmare for your hair and skin and leaves it looking dull and is harder to maintain than if your hair wasn’t exposed to the minerals on a regular basis.

Drinking Quality

Hard water isn’t harmful to drink, but it might not taste the best because the presence of the minerals can affect its taste. Coffee pots tend to have a significantly shorter lifespan in homes with hard water due to deposit accumulation.

Solutions for Hard Water

If you do have hard water you can use a water-conditioning product or install a softener for your home. You can also tackle residue by cleaning with plain white vinegar and running it through your appliances.

Hard water is not only an annoyance but also a huge financial burden. It affects clothes, appliances, plumbing and skin. If you think you’re suffering from issues related to hard water, there are options for you to remedy them.

Charlie Teschner started MESA Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling in 1982. Charlie has a journeyman and master plumber’s license. He was raised with a strong work ethic and he now applies those values to tasks such as Longmont, CO heating repair.

For a more in depth guide about hard water, check out this website!

Guest Contributor, Charlie Teschner

Why It’s Important to Respect the Bathroom of a Restaurant You’re Visiting?

Why It’s Important to Respect the Bathroom of a Business You’re Visiting?

Have you ever visited a restaurant and used their restroom? Most people treat the restroom with respect. Unfortunately, there are a couple people who don’t. It’s sad. Patrons who disrespect public restrooms aren’t thinking about the other guests who are about to use the facility. You’re a guest. You wouldn’t do that at your mother’s house, or a friend’s house, why would you disrespect a bathroom which you’re a guest in?

We go out to eat because we work hard and deserve a night out, or because we don’t have time to cook. Everyone has their own reason to visiting a restaurant. It’s great. You’re enjoying the food, you’re enjoying the company, the cocktails, and the ambiance usually makes everything better. You stop at the restroom after dinner and at times, the mess in the restroom can completely turn you off to the place. Yes, it’s not their fault. There are patrons who make giant messes and don’t care. How is it, that some restaurants invest so much time on the front of the house, but completely forget to maintain one of their biggest priorities? The restroom!

It is important to treat the bathroom with respect, because you are sharing it with everyone else. The person that follows after you’ve left the bathroom has to deal with the mess you’ve made. It’s not fair to them. What did they do to you? They have just as much right to a clean bathroom.

Let’s say you had a horrible experience with the establishment, does that grant you the right to mistreat the restroom? Of course not. Please speak with management if you have an issue that needs to be resolved.

Please respect the restaurant’s bathroom and other patrons. Remember, most people go out to eat to enjoy themselves and have a great time all around. They deserve to have a good experience. 

To Restaurant Owners/Managers:

Tips To Encourage Customers To Treat Your Bathroom With Respect

Supervision- Make sure you have a set schedule for staff to check the bathroom and quick clean up. Wipe down sink counter, pick up paper towels left behind, and make sure each stall has toilet paper. Have it posted on the wall in the bathroom to show you are maintaining the cleanliness of the bathroom.

Notice- Hang a sign that tells patrons to “Please Respect Our Bathroom”. It will remind patrons that they are guests. You could also have a sign that says to “Notify Management If Anything Is Missing”.

Amenities- Please provide soap, toilet paper, towels, hand towels, small garbage cans in each stall and a larger garbage can in the main bathroom area. If you’re feeling extra generous add a “Guest Basket” in the women’s bathroom that includes: feminine pads, tampons, tissues, baby wipes, and lotion.